1954-1958 - KDRO-TV
KDRO-TV signed on July 8, 1954, as an independent, commercial television station, and a partner of KDRO radio in Sedalia. The Sedalia Democrat newspaper purchased a 50 percent stake in 1955. Eventually, Milt Hinlein became the sole owner of the TV station, and the newspaper controlled the radio side. Hinlein, in turn, sold part of his stake to station employees.

1959-1961 - KMOS-TV - ABC
KMBC threw its weight around and bought KDRO-TV in 1959, changing the call letters to KMOS-TV. KMOS became a full satellite of KMBC.

1961-1978 - KMOS-TV - CBS, ABC
When Metromedia bought KMBC in 1961, the company did not want KMOS. The Jefferson City News-Tribune, owner of KRCG-TV, stepped in to buy KMOS, turning the station into a satellite of KRCG. At the time, KRCG was a primary CBS affiliate, with secondary ABC programs until 1971. Kansas City Southern Industries bought the stations in 1966.

1979-2009 - KMOS-TV - PBS
Kansas City Southern Industries donated KMOS to Central Missouri State University in 1978. After 16 months off the air, KMOS returned in December 1979 as a PBS affiliate. Previously, Columbia and Jefferson City viewers needed cable TV to receive KETC from St. Louis, or a tall outdoor antenna to receive KCPT from Kansas City. KMOS ceased analog transmissions in 2009.

2003-current - KMOS-DT - PBS
KMOS began digital transmission in 2003 from a new tower, nearly 2,000 feet tall, located near Syracuse, in Morgan County, Missouri. By just two-tenths of a meter, it is the tallest structure in Missouri. KMOS broadcasts on digital channel 15, but retains 6 as a virtual channel number.